Carb-heavy diet could hasten menopause

A diet rich in oily fish could help delay the menopause, new research suggests, while carbohydrates might speed up its onset.

An additional daily portion of refined white pasta or rice was linked with women reaching the menopause around one-and-a-half years earlier, according to a study by the University of Leeds.

However, an extra daily serving of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines was associated with a delay of more than three years.

'Natural at 51'

The research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, drew on data from around 14,000 women in the UK, and a follow-up survey four years later.

More than 900 women between the ages of 40 and 65 had experienced a natural start to the menopause by that time.

The average age of menopause was 51, but the researchers found certain foods were associated with its timing.

As well as oily fish, a diet high in fresh legumes such as peas and beans was linked with women reaching the menopause around a year later.

A higher intake of vitamin B6 and zinc also appeared to delay the onset.

The researchers noted that women who go through the menopause early are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, while those who do so later are more likely to develop breast, womb, ovarian cancers.

Clear understanding of diet

Study co-author Janet Cade, professor of nutritional epidemiology, said: "The age at which menopause begins can have serious health implications for some women.

"A clear understanding of how diet affects the start of natural menopause will be very beneficial to those who may already be at risk or have a family history of certain complications related to menopause."

The researchers suggest the maturation and release of eggs can be affected by reactive oxygen species and so antioxidants, found in legumes, may help preserve menstruation for longer.

Meanwhile, refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of insulin resistance, interfering with the activity of sex hormones and boosting oestrogen levels.

Both of these effects could lead to quicker depletion of egg supply, the researchers said.

Lead author Yashvee Dunneram, of the School of Food Science and Nutrition, said: "This study is the first to investigate the links between individual nutrients and a wide variety of food groups and age at natural menopause in a large cohort of British women.

"But further studies are needed to improve understanding on how this may impact health and wellbeing."

Commenting on the findings, Dr Channa Jayasena, a senior lecturer and consultant in reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College London, said: "It is tempting to speculate that this provides a recipe for delaying menopause.

"Unfortunately, a big limitation of these observational studies is their inability to prove that dietary behaviour actually causes early menopause.

"Until we have that type of proof, I see no reason for people to change their diet."

Need medical insurance to cover you on an upcoming trip? Search our packages and find the perfect one for you.